CBD: The All-Natural Panacea

Posted by Daniel Gordon on February 05, 2019

In our previous article, we discussed some of the current scientific research into CBD and the legal challenges surrounding it. We described how the scientific consensus seems to be that CBD has great potential in a number of fields, but remains an understudied topic. Today, we’re going to look at a few specific areas in which CBD may have a role to play as a natural treatment. Much more than just a general analgesic or recreational “chill out” drug, there is significant evidence to suggest that it may be ideally suited to tackle specific disorders.

CBD Oil & ADHD Research

ADHD is one of the most common brain disorders in the country, affecting over 5% of all American children. There are a plethora of FDA-approved medications designed to treat ADHD that can be categorized as either “stimulants” or “non-stimulants.” Stimulants are the most widely known ADHD medications.They are fast acting and effective for a majority of patients. Non-stimulants, on the other hand, were only approved by the FDA in 2003. They don’t work as quickly as stimulants, but they do last for up to 24 hours. Furthermore, not all patients respond to non-stimulants in the same way. CBD falls into the stimulant category but has also been reported to produce extended-release effects. Many pediatricians have begun prescribing CBD and many patients have self-reported that CBD has had a positive impact on their ADHD symptoms.

CBD Oil & Epilepsy

As public pressure has mounted for the full legalization of CBD and marijuana more broadly, one of the main advocacy groups involved in this effort revolves around treatments for refractory epilepsy. In fact, there have been numerous state initiatives devoted to this important subject but very few of their findings have been published. As a result, very few people are even aware of the potential of CBD to address this common neurological disorder. A recent study looked at total body of pharmacological research on CBD and concluded, “At this time, there does seem to be a growing body of basic pharmacologic data suggesting there may be a role for CBD, especially in the treatment of refractory epilepsy.”

CBD For Anxiety

As we discussed above, CBD may have a role to play in dealing with neurological disorders such as epilepsy. But one of the most dynamic sectors of the medical CBD community is in dealing with what are called neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuropsychiatric disorders are mental disorders that have their roots in the nervous system. And one of the most common types is the broad category of anxiety-related disorders. This encompasses everything from obsessive–compulsive disorder to PTSD. It has long been known within the cannabis community that certain strains are particularly good at calming your nerves. For more information on some of these select strains, take a look at our article on the subject. Now, we finally have the scientific evidence to back this up. Within the last few years that has been a flurry of important scientific research that “conclusively demonstrates CBD’s efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors relevant to multiple disorders, including PTSD, GAD, PD, OCD, and SAD.” Given the abundance of empirical evidence, the time is now for the US government to put as much funding as it can into exploring the possibilities of CBD for anxiety.

CBD For Withdrawal

One of the most fascinating areas of research related to CBD is the way that it interacts with the withdrawal. Dependence on drugs, whether it be something as dangerous as heroin or even simply cannabis itself, can be one of the most difficult challenges of a person’s life. It seems that there is a convergence of scientific research around how consuming CBD may help lessen the effects of heroin withdrawal by reducing the motivating power of drug cues. Drug cues are the learned responses of individuals dealing with addiction. These can manifest in both physiological and subjective forms (i.e. flop sweats and intense cravings).

What is the Impact of CBD on THC?

For those concerned with the short term effects of cannabis use, CBD again presents some promising opportunities. In particular CBD has been shown to lessen the effects of THC, the major cannabinoid in marijuana other than CBD of course. So if cannabis causes you cognitive impairment or paranoia, try a strain with more CBD and see the results for yourself!

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